Maxine Rhyne Christie passed away at San Juan Villa in Port Townsend on Feb. 18, 2023. The beloved wife of Norman Christie, she was born June 9, 1937, in San Luis Obispo, California. After contracting polio in 1954, and then finishing high school in Paso Robles, Calif., she graduated with honors from Cal Poly, earning a bachelor of science degree in Education. Married to Robert Averill, she taught school in Anaheim, Calif. and then pursued a career in interior design. Beginning in 1980, she served five years as city planning commissioner in Downey, Calif. In 1990, she earned a master of science degree in Urban Planning at USC, and eventually became chief city planner for Manhattan Beach, Calif.

In 1997, she married Norm and retired from work. She now had time to exercise her skills as a gourmet cook, fisherman, backpacker, wineau, oil painter, and world traveler. Earning an FAA co-pilot certificate, she enjoyed frequent flights to our casita in Baja California.

After moving to Port Hadlock in 1997, and surviving breast cancer in 1998, she was active in the AAUW Book Group, JeffCo Wine Tasters, and ardently supported liberal political candidates (after leaving the Republican Party in 1992).

Maxine is survived by her husband, Norman; sons Michael Averill, Walter Averil, and Robert Averill; step-daughter Linda Christie; and five granddaughters. Her remains have been sent to Recompose, in Seattle, where she will be composted and returned to the earth.

There will be a memorial held in central California where most of her family reside. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation would be appropriate and appreciated.